In a battle between two of U.S. Women’s National Team’s top stars, current UEFA Champions League holders Lyon defeated Manchester City 3-1 in Saturday’s semifinal first leg.
The match featured Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd, as both players are on loan from their respective NWSL clubs, and it was the former’s club that emerged victorious to open the semifinal tie.
Lyon opened the scoring after two minutes as Saki Kumagai finished from the penalty spot. Lloyd was whistled for handball inside the box, which allowed the visitors the spot-kick opportunity.
Kosovare Asllani brought Manchester City level in the 10th-minute, finishing off Abby Duggan’s through-ball assist. However, Lyon recaptured the lead just six minutes later as Dzsenifer Marozsan scored her third goal of the competition.
Alex Morgan was subbed off after 56 minutes for French striker Eugenie Le Sommer who quickly made an impact for the visitors. The 27-year-old forward scored Lyon’s third goal of the match from a tight angle inside the box.
The 3-1 scoreline for Lyon would hold, as the holders now return home to host the second-leg on April 29. The French League champions, who have featured in five of the last seven Champions League finals, will most-certainly be the favorite to advance. Manchester City is looking to become the first English women’s side to reach a European final since 2007.
The winner of Lyon-Manchester City will face the winner of the Barcelona-Paris Saint-Germain semifinal, in June 1st’s final in Cardiff.
